Be Part of Building a New Republic

Speaking in the Oireachtas Education and Social Protection Committee today, Deputy Jonathan O’Brien, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education questioned the HSE on why 80 new therapy posts for children’s disability services at a cost of €4m were announced in January but have not been filled.

Deputy O’Brien said;

“In January, 80 new therapy posts for children’s disability services were announced in January at a cost of €4million and yet they have not been advertised or filled.

“Today, I called on the HSE to explain the delay, and clarify on what basis the posts would be allocated, and furthermore if the HSE had actually made any attempt to ascertain how many therapy posts in theory are needed to ensure that the new Disability Network Teams are fully staffed.

"The HSE also need to state what is the estimated cost for fully implementing the EPSEN Act 2004, namely the section on Individual Educational Plans for children with disabilities.

“We are now in the 10th anniversary of the Act and it still hasn’t been fully implemented. Children don’t remain children forever. How long is it necessary to wait?

“I am calling on the HSE to ensure that children with disabilities are given the supports they need at the time they need it.”